Pop hit APT too distracting for S Korea’s exam-stressed students

In South Korea, a nation where academic pressure is immense, the annual Suneung exam—the country’s grueling university entrance test—once again took center stage, marking a day of nationwide silence and focus. As the clock ticked down on Thursday, around half a million students sat for the eight-hour exam, considered one of the toughest of its kind in the world. On this day, planes were grounded, construction halted, and car honking discouraged to ensure a quiet environment for the students. However, this year, there was an unexpected new source of anxiety: the global pop hit “APT,” by Blackpink’s Rosé and Bruno Mars.

The catchy tune, which has taken the world by storm, became a “forbidden” song for many students, who feared its infectious melody would become a distraction during the test. The Suneung, which plays a pivotal role in determining university placements, future careers, and social status, is seen as the culmination of years of schooling. As a result, even the smallest distractions are taken seriously.

“I’m worried that the song will play in my head even during the exam,” one student told Yonhap News. “Adults might laugh and say, ‘Why stress over something like that?’ But for us, with such an important test ahead, it can feel unsettling.”

The phenomenon of “earworms”—songs that get stuck in your head—is not new during the Suneung, with other popular tunes like BTS’s “Go Go” and SHINee’s “Ring Ding Dong” also being named by students as tracks they prefer to avoid. The mental strain students experience as they prepare for the exam is immense, and even the slightest chance of a distracting tune resurfacing can lead to anxiety.

The Suneung is not just a test; it is a national event that is treated with the utmost seriousness. The government goes to great lengths to ensure the exam runs smoothly. On the day of the test, shops open late, the stock market starts after a delay, and public transport schedules are adjusted to minimize disruptions. To further reduce traffic and noise, over 10,000 police officers are deployed, with some assigned to help students get to their exam centers during emergencies.

Special measures are also taken to reduce noise during the exam, particularly during the 20-minute English listening portion. Planes are grounded, and bus and taxi drivers are asked to refrain from honking during this time. These precautions underscore the importance placed on maintaining a quiet environment for students. In fact, any disruption to the exam is treated as a serious issue. In December of last year, for instance, dozens of students filed a lawsuit against the government after teachers mistakenly cut their exam short by 90 seconds, which is seen as a critical amount of time for students in such an intense exam.

This year, there is a record number of retakes as more students seek to improve their scores. The government’s decision to expand enrollment in medical schools has contributed to this surge, with some students hoping to secure a place in one of these programs despite the ongoing protests from trainee doctors who oppose the changes.

For many students, the Suneung represents the culmination of years of study and intense preparation, so even the smallest distraction can feel monumental. The day is surrounded by an air of tension and high stakes, and the country’s entire infrastructure adapts to ensure that students have the best chance of success.

In a society where academic achievement is often seen as the gateway to social mobility and status, the Suneung holds a place of great significance. As students strive for success in this life-defining test, the sound of an unexpected pop hit or an errant car horn can feel like a daunting challenge. Despite these distractions, however, the focus remains squarely on the exam, as the nation pauses to watch as its students take the next step toward their futures.

In the midst of all the preparation and precautions, the story of “APT” and its place in the Suneung anxiety illustrates just how deep the cultural significance of the exam runs. With a little help from the government, students hope that nothing—neither pop hits nor external noise—will derail their chances of success.